
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If
a fault is detected, a message displays in
the information display. Stop your vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components. •
Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.
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Checking the Inverter System
Controller Coolant
When the engine is cold, check the
concentration and level of the inverter
system controller coolant at the intervals
listed in the scheduled maintenance
information. See Scheduled
Maintenance (page 420).
Note: Make sure that the level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the inverter
system controller coolant reservoir.
Note: Coolant expands when it is hot. The
level may extend beyond the MAX mark.
Note: If the level is at the MIN mark, below
the MIN mark, or empty, add prediluted
coolant immediately. See
Adding Inverter
System Controller Coolant in this chapter.
Maintain coolant concentration within
48% to 50%, which equates to a freeze
point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F
(-37°C).
Note: For best results, coolant
concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Robinair® Coolant
and Battery Refractometer 75240. We do
not recommend the use of hydrometers or
coolant test strips for measuring coolant
concentrations.
Note: Automotive fluids are not
interchangeable. Do not use engine coolant
or antifreeze or windshield washer fluid
outside of its specified function and vehicle
location.
Adding Coolant
Note: Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling
system sealants, or additives as they can
cause damage to the cooling or heating
systems. This damage would not be covered
under your vehicle ’s warranty. Note:
During normal vehicle operation, the
coolant may change color from orange to
pink or light red. As long as the coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change
does not indicate the coolant has degraded
nor does it require the coolant to be drained,
the system to be flushed, or the coolant to
be replaced.
Note: It is very important to use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification in
order to avoid plugging the small coolant
passageways. Use of concentrated coolant
and water may cause coolant passageway
plugging and void the warranty. See
Capacities and Specifications (page 275
).
• Do not mix different colors or types of
coolant in your vehicle. Make sure the
correct coolant is used. Mixing of
coolants may harm your cooling
system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm the engine, inverter system
controller, and cooling system
components and may void the
warranty.
• In case of emergency, a large amount
of water without engine coolant may
be added to the engine cooling system
in order to reach a vehicle service
location. In this instance, the engine
cooling system must be drained,
chemically cleaned with Motorcraft
Premium Cooling System Flush, and
refilled with prediluted engine coolant
as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause
engine damage from corrosion,
overheating, or freezing. DO NOT use
this method for the inverter system
controller cooling system. The inverter
system controller cooling system
operates close to ambient
temperature, and is susceptible to
freezing in any subfreezing environment
in the absence of coolant.
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•
Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or
any engine coolants mixed with alcohol
or methanol antifreeze (coolant).
Alcohol and other liquids can cause
engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
• Do not add extra inhibitors or additives
to the coolant. These can be harmful
and compromise the corrosion
protection of the engine coolant.
Adding Engine Coolant
1. Unscrew the engine coolant reservoir cap slowly. Any pressure will escape
as you unscrew the cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted engine coolant to the engine coolant reservoir.
Make sure that the level is between the
MIN and MAX marks on the engine
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted engine
coolant meeting the Ford specification.
See Capacities and Specifications
(page 275).
3. Close the engine coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir
the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted engine
coolant to bring the engine coolant level
to the proper level.
Adding Inverter System Controller
Coolant
1. Open the inverter system controller coolant reservoir cap.
2. Use a funnel to add prediluted coolant
to the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Make sure that the
level is between the MIN and MAX
marks on the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir. Use prediluted
coolant meeting the Ford specification.
See
Capacities and Specifications
(page 275). 3. Close the inverter system controller
coolant reservoir cap.
Whenever you add coolant, check the
coolant level in the inverter system
controller coolant reservoir the next few
times you drive the vehicle. If necessary,
add enough prediluted coolant to bring the
inverter system controller coolant level to
the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend
the use of recycled engine coolant since a
Ford-approved recycling process is not yet
available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed
of in an appropriate manner. Follow your
community ’s regulations and standards
for recycling and disposing of automotive
fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to have an
authorized Ford dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60% will
provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant
concentrations above 60% will
decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• It may be necessary to have an
authorized Ford dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
• A coolant concentration of 40% will
provide improved overheat protection.
Engine coolant concentrations below
40% will decrease the freeze and
corrosion protection characteristics of
the engine coolant and may cause
engine damage.
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C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Maintenance

General Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelines
could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Note:
Do not use the kit to repair a severely
damaged tire, damaged from driving the
vehicle with a tire that has insufficient air
pressure. You can only use the kit to seal
punctured areas located within the tire
tread.
Do not attempt to repair punctures larger
than 1.4 inch (6.4 millimeters) or damage
to the tire's sidewall. The tire may not
completely seal.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect
tire performance. For this reason:
Note: Do not drive the vehicle above 50
mph (80 km/h).
Note: Do not drive further than 120 miles
(200 kilometers). Drive only to the closest
Ford Motor Company authorized dealer or
tire repair shop to have your tire inspected.
• Drive carefully and avoid abrupt
steering maneuvers.
• Periodically monitor tire inflation
pressure in the affected tire; if the tire
is losing pressure, have the vehicle
towed.
• Read the information in the Tips for
Use of the Kit section to make sure of
safe operation of the kit and your
vehicle.
Tips for Use of the Kit
Read the following list of tips to make sure
of safe operation of the kit: •
Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road and
away from moving traffic. Turn on the
hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to make
sure the vehicle does not move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the tire.
• When using the kit, leave the engine
running (only if the vehicle is outdoors
or in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor does not drain the
vehicle's battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more than 15
minutes; this will help prevent the
compressor from overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended when
it is operating.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Make sure that you use the non-latex
gloves provided to avoid an allergic
reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F (– 30°C)
and 158°F (70°C).
• Only use the sealing compound before
the use by date. The use by date is on
the lower right hand corner of the label
located on the sealant canister
(bottle). Check the use by date
regularly and replace the canister after
four years.
• Do not store the kit unsecured inside
the passenger compartment of the
vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or crash. Always store the
kit in its original location.
• After sealant use, you must replace the
tire pressure monitoring system sensor
and valve stem on the wheel by an
authorized Ford dealer.
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•
Read all instructions and cautions fully.
• Before operating the kit, make sure
your vehicle is safely off the road and
away from moving traffic. Switch on
the hazard lights.
• Always set the parking brake to make
sure the vehicle does not move
unexpectedly.
• Do not remove any foreign objects,
such as nails or screws, from the tire.
• When using the kit, leave the engine
running (only if the vehicle is outdoors
or in a well-ventilated area) so the
compressor does not drain the
vehicle's battery.
• Do not allow the compressor to
operate continuously for more than 15
minutes. This will help prevent the
compressor from overheating.
• Never leave the kit unattended during
operation.
• Sealant compound contains latex.
Those with latex sensitivities should
use appropriate precautions to avoid
an allergic reaction.
• Keep the kit away from children.
• Only use the kit when the ambient
temperature is between -22°F (-30°C)
and 158°F (70°C).
• Only use the sealing compound before
the use-by date. The use-by date is on
a label on the sealant canister, which
you can see through the rectangular
viewing window on the bottom of the
compressor. Check the use-by date
regularly and replace the canister after
four years of non-use.
• Do not store the kit unsecured inside
the passenger compartment of the
vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or crash. Always store the
kit in its original location. •
After sealant use, an authorized Ford
dealer must replace the tire pressure
monitoring system sensor and valve
stem on the wheel.
• Operating the kit could cause an
electrical disturbance in radio, CD and
DVD player operation. * When inflation only is required
for a tire or other objects, the
selector must be in the Air
position.
What to Do When a Tire Is
Punctured
Repair a tire puncture within the tire's tread
area in two stages with the kit.
• In the first stage, inflate the tire with a
sealing compound and air. After you
inflate the tire, you will need to drive
the vehicle a short distance (about 4
miles [6 kilometers]) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
• In the second stage, check the tire
pressure and adjust, if necessary, to the
vehicle's specified tire inflation
pressure.
First Stage: Inflating the Tire with
Sealing Compound and Air WARNINGS
Do not stand directly over the kit
while inflating the tire. If you notice
any unusual bulges or deformations
in the tire's sidewall during inflation, stop
and call roadside assistance. If the tire does not inflate to the
recommended tire pressure within
15 minutes, stop and call roadside
assistance. Do not run the engine during kit
operation unless the vehicle is
outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
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Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle
’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals. Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level. Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
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Fuel Quality.....................................................139
Choosing the Right Fuel................................... 139
Fuel Freshness Mode (Energi Vehicles Only)................................................................... 139
Octane Recommendations............................ 139
Fuel Shutoff....................................................192
Fuses................................................................204
Fuse Specification Chart..........................204 Luggage Compartment Fuse Panel...........209
Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel.................................................................. 207
Power Distribution Box................................... 204
Pre-Fuse Box....................................................... 204
G
Garage Door Opener See: Universal Garage Door Opener.............119
Gauges...............................................................84 Left Information Display.................................... 84
Right Information Display................................. 86
General Information on Radio Frequencies...................................................44
Intelligent Access................................................. 44
General Maintenance Information.......420 Multi-point Inspection..................................... 423
Owner Checks and Services.......................... 422
Protecting Your Investment.......................... 420
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?......................... 420
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?..................................................... 420
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada..........................................................201
Getting the Services You Need
...............198
Away From Home.............................................. 198
Global Opening
..............................................80
Opening the Windows....................................... 80
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake.............................................. 161
Hazard Warning Flashers...........................192
Headlamp Exit Delay.....................................75
Head Restraints
..............................................112
Adjusting the Head Restraint.......................... 113
Heated Seats
...................................................117 Heated Windows and Mirrors...................110
Heated Exterior Mirrors..................................... 110
Heated Rear Window......................................... 110
Heating See: Climate Control......................................... 107
HEV See: Hybrid Electric Vehicle............................ 132
High Voltage Battery Cut-Off Switch............................................................156
High Voltage Battery...................................149 General Information.......................................... 149
Hill Start Assist...............................................161 Switching the System On and Off...............162
Using Hill Start Assist....................................... 162
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate ..........................................................
108
Cooling the Interior Quickly............................ 109
General Hints....................................................... 108
Heating the Interior Quickly............................ 109
Recommended Settings for Cooling .........109
Recommended Settings for Heating..........109
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather............................................................ 109
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.............................................................161
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood...........213
Hybrid Electric Vehicle................................132 Hybrid Vehicle Operation................................. 133
Plug-in Power Mode and Hybrid Mode (C-MAX Energi Only).................................... 132
I
Ignition Switch................................................127
In California (U.S. Only).............................199
Information Display Control
......................68
Multimedia Controls........................................... 69
Information Displays
......................................91
General Information............................................. 91
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C-MAX (CCG) Canada/United States of America, enUSA, Second Printing Index